Main Discussion Area > Bows
Sudbury Style Oak Board Bow 57lb @ 26"
Threy Cameron:
--- Quote from: sleek on November 08, 2025, 02:13:46 am ---The fact that you made that nice a bow from red oak tells me you are going to be a fantastic bowyer. Red oak is a trial by fire wood. You try it, then its fire wood. I dont recommend it to anyone its so bad. Somehow you got this beautiful bow from it, and color me impressed. If you can get hickory, id suggest you switch to that, but if you can do that we'll with what you got, heck, stick with it. Darn nice bow from a mislabeled beginner wood.
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I really appreciate the compliment! Red Oak's reputation preceded it alright, definitely wanted to try it for myself. I found there's quite a few different Red oak species but apparently their quite similar so not sure if all my tillering practice paid off or this particular specimen was very accommodating haha. Unfortunately Hickory seems out of reach at present but I might find a source for it one day, though I do have access to White Oaks and potentially Yew, Osage and Black Locust here in NZ.
WhistlingBadger:
I love the look of a good sudburry. Not the fastest design, but for my eyes the prettiest. Great work.
Pat B:
I think white oak is a better choice as a bow wood than red oak. Again, it depends on its origin and handling.
willie:
--- Quote from: Threy Cameron on November 08, 2025, 05:30:48 am ---not sure if all my tillering practice paid off
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that's always on the top of the list, but chasing a ring on a board is not common either.
i have found that linseed oil darkens more than others and have always used a thick paraffin paste applied to warmed wood. the paste was tested and described by Dean Torges as more moisture resistant, simpler to apply and easy to renew to many cured or dried finishes.
BTW, hickory is tough to keep dry in a humid climate as it loves to gain moisture content.
Threy Cameron:
--- Quote from: Pat B on November 08, 2025, 12:13:18 pm ---I think white oak is a better choice as a bow wood than red oak. Again, it depends on its origin and handling.
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I'd agree with you on that one from what I've read. I am planning on getting some White Oak soon to make some recurve board bows, should be an interesting comparison. I've also seen on Janka hardness scales that American White Oak is denser than its European counterpart so will be good to compare.
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